WATCH | Ask the vet – Livestock with cloudy, irritated, swollen eyes

Question:

A small stock farmer from Stutterheim asked advice about his goats’ eyes that are cloudy (grey).

Answer:

This is called infectious conjunctivitis and it can affect all livestock. It is caused by the bacterium Moraxella bovis or others. Sunburn on unpigmented eyelids, a vitamin A deficiency, dust and insects all contribute to the animals’ eyes getting infected by the bacteria. Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious and can quickly spread through a flock or herd.

Treatment

1. Start by treating the animal daily with an eye ointment that your veterinarian can prescribe or a mastitis remedy, Tetracycline injection drops or eye powder available from your coop.

2. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian who could administer an injection under the eyelid (for example a long-acting penicillin, with cortisone and local anaesthetic). If your veterinarian agrees, he could teach you to administer the treatment to your herd. A single treatment is usually effective.

How to do an injection into the eyelid:

Always disinfect the skin first. You can wipe the eyelid with a suitable disinfectant (Ask your veterinarian).

In our practice we mix 100 ml Duplocilin, 5 ml Dexa and 5 ml Lignocaine but your veterinarian should be consulted.

Dosage:
• 1-2ml for lambs and kids
• 5ml for adult sheep and goats
• 10ml for heifers
• 20ml for bulls and cows

Once the conjunctiva has formed a white scar and the eye is no longer inflamed or producing tears you can stop the treatment. The white spot will remain.

Prevention:

The Piliguard Pinkeye-1 Trivalent (Reg no G2803) vaccine against Moraxella bovis can be used to prevent one of the causes of infectious conjunctivitis. As there may be other causes it is recommended that you ask your veterinarian to send a sample to the laboratory.
Boost your flock or herd’s immune system with for example Kyroligo (G3087).
Treating your animals with Embamin TE (V21478) and Embavit (V214770) can reduce the severity of an outbreak of infectious conjunctivitis.

It is advisable to collect swabs from untreated cases for laboratory testing to identify the causing organism. It will help you decide if vaccination could be helpful.

Do you have a question for a veterinarian? WhatsApp us on 064 6017 465 or email us at online@africanfarming.com.

Dr Johan van Rooyen is a specialist veterinarian working from the Steynsburg Animal Hospital in the Eastern Cape. Wandile Khave is the herd health manager at the Steynsburg Animal Hospital.

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